The Messenger May 2018 The First Church of Monson, Congregational/UCC 5 High Street, Monson MA 01057 413-267-3312 office@firstchurchmonson.org www.firstchurchmonson.org www.facebook.com/firstchurchmonson The Church Office is usually open on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9 AM to 1 PM. Please visit our website and calendar at www.firstchurchmonson.org. May 20, 2018 Pentecost Sunday The Birthday of the Christian Church Wear red in celebration! Music Sunday Hear special music written and performed by our gifted musicians! Penetcost Gifts Donate a birthday gift to further our ministries! Monson Open Pantry Give a can of meat (or two)! Strengthen the Church Support our denomination through this UCC special offering!
Happy Birthday, Christian Church! On May 20, 2018, 50 days after Easter, we celebrate Pentecost (Acts 2), the day the disciples were praying together and the Holy Spirit descended upon them. The disciples received the gift of tongues and were able to go forth and minister to the crowds in many languages. Peter said to the crowds, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the Name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38) These promises, given by God, are considered by most Christians to be the birth of the Christian Church. To celebrate the church s birthday, the members-at-large are asking you to give a gift or gifts that will further the ministries of First Church. Beginning on Sunday, May 4, 2018, there will be a special exhibit in Fellowship Hall displaying wish lists from boards, committees, and other groups. Some items can be purchased; other items are volunteer opportunities. Please look over the wish list and consider how you can gift the church. Gifts may be left on the Pentecost table anytime before Pentecost Sunday. Thank you and blessings, Your members-at-large (Elaine, Elizabeth and Carol) Pentecost was originally a Jewish festival when the first fruits of crops were given as offerings to God, was when the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus followers after the resurrection, and is symbolized by wind (wind, breath, spirit), flame (tongues of fire), and dove (the Holy Spirit that appeared at Jesus baptism).
It s a Farewell Reception and you are invited! Please plan to attend this special time with Pastor Rob Gormbley and Music Directors David and Permie Sears As we say goodbye, honor their service with us, and wish them well. Sunday, June 3, 2018 Following the worship service Children s Superhero Sunday June 10, 2018 Don t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. ~Timothy 4:12( NIV) Support our young people as they lead the worship service with their stories about youthful superheroes from the Bible.
First Church of Monson to Celebrate in Stories and Songs of Praise The First Church of Monson is planning a worship service of song and praise, Alleluia, Songs for Stories of Praise on Sunday, May 20, at 10 a.m. Church member Doug, inspired by Bible verses taken from the lectionary, has been writing hymn texts formerly included in the Lenten Meditation Booklets and sung during worship. David had the idea that he would like to set the poems as anthems. He chose six of Doug s texts and has arranged them for the choir as follows: When Faithful People Gather; Jesus Came from Galilee; Come to Me; God Provides for Lowly Ravens; The Works That Jesus Has Performed; and Praise God, Creator of the Skies. Pastor Rob Gormbley will lead the service which will be organized as a series of stories, including Biblical texts with commentary on the subject of each anthem. All of the anthems are very traditional in tonality and treatment although varied from one to another. The prelude Variations on Bradbury ( Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us ), offertory Choral Prelude on Rest ( Dear Lord and Father of Mankind ), and postlude Toccata from POE Organ Book are all original compositions by David. The choir will be accompanied by Permie who will also play the prelude and offertory. David will conclude the service with the playing of the postlude. The public is invited to the Music Sunday service and to the reception following worship in Fellowship Hall.
Hearts Willing Club May 23, 2018 6:30 p.m. Gregory s Restaurant 2391 Boston Road, Wilbraham Reservations may be made with any member of the Program Committee. Election of Officers Minutes and Treasurer s Report Member recognition Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid. ~Isaiah 12.2 Town-wide Clean-up Day a Success! Many of the streets in Monson look much cleaner thanks to an impressive number of volunteers who collected over 200 bags of litter as part of the town-wide clean-up on April 21. Special thanks go to Kate who took the lead for First Church to organize the event, to Gary, Paul, and Ron who picked up and transported the filled trash bags, to the managers and staff at Adams IGA who provided lunch for the volunteers, and to the town officilas who arranged for the disposal of the trash. Great job everyone!
Farewell Gift for Pastor Rob The deacons are collecting money to purchase a token of our appreciation for Pastor Rob. Please see any deacon by May 27 if you wish to contribute. Fellowship Hosts Needed for the Month of June Hosting fellowship is an important part of the hospitality ministry of First Church. Refreshments do not need to be fancy. A sign-up sheet is located in Fellowship Hall. Please see any deacon if you have questions or need assistance. Thank you! The Daily Lectionary Scripture References for May 2018 can be found at https://www.macucc.org/files/files/documentsdailylectionary/may+20 18.pdf Please note: The Church Office is no longer accepting used toner cartridges for recycling.
Strengthen the Church Special Offering The gifts He gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-12 Please join us in planting the seeds needed to grow and sustain our denomination by making a gift to the Strengthen the Church offering. The Strengthen the church offering supports the expansion of ministry and growth of UCC local congregations. Your support of this offering will help the UCC fulfill its commitment to creating a just world for all by investing in new ministries and practices that met the emerging needs of local communities. The suggested date to receive this offering is Pentecost Sunday, May 20, 2018. The Mission of the First Church of Monson is to praise God through prayer, to share the Word and love of God by promoting fellowship in the community, and to serve as stewards of God s creation all in a manner that glorifies God and emulates Christ.
Brimfield Master Singers (BAMS) Spring Concerts The Brimfield Area Master Singers, under the direction of Bob Willis, will be presenting three concerts entitled LIGHT this season. All performances are on Tuesday evenings beginning at 7 p.m. at the following locales: May 15 at St. Patrick s Church, 22 Green Street, Monson; May 22 at Palmer Historical Society, 2071 Main Street, Three Rivers and May 29 First Congregational Church of Brimfield, 20 Main Street, Brimfield. The program will include pieces that have been brought to the public by recording artists over the years and have been chosen by members of the chorus for performance. Featured will be arrangements of Dream, Perhaps Love, In My Life, You Light Up my Life, and This Little Light of Mine. The concerts will be accompanied by Gay on keyboard, Elizabeth on percussion, and Michael on guitar. A reception and light refreshments will follow each concert. All performances are free and open to the public. Donations are gladly accepted. The Monson Farmers-Crafters Market will not be open this season unless someone steps forward to manage the market. Please contact the Church Office if you, or someone you know, might be interested. There is money available for start-up.
Second Tri-Conference Annual Meeting June 15-16, 2018 Mass Mutual Center, Springfield, MA Hope does not disappoint us, because God s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. ~Romans 5:5. These are indeed times filled with hope as we the Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island Conferences consider voting to form a new, united conference with the hope of making our region a more just, loving, and compassionate place. Everyone (voting delegates and guests) is invited to attend. The meeting includes dynamic worship and keynote address by Rev. Traci Blackmon and ministry sharing and fellowship with UCC members from the CT, MA, and RI conference. For more information, please see macucc.org/triconam